Meet prison-impacted Virginians showcased in ACLU-VA “Virginia Needs a Second Chance” exhibit

What: First-of-its-kind ACLU of Virginia exhibition “Virginia Needs a Second Chance” showcases black-and-white portrait photography of eight Virginians who were formerly incarcerated or whose loved ones are still incarcerated. Their stories – told in powerful videography in their own words – and artwork by people still incarcerated demonstrate the significance of second chances for prison-impacted people.

Where: Richmond Public Library, Main Branch, 101 E. Franklin St, Richmond, Virginia, 23219.

When: Press are invited to meet and talk with the prison-impacted Virginians featured in “Virginia Needs a Second Chance" as well as the artists behind the exhibition at two special events:

• “First Friday” exhibit opening on Friday, September 6, 2024 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
• “Community Engagement Day” on Saturday, September 14, 2024 from 12:30 - 2 p.m.

Interview and Photo Opportunities: The prison-impacted Virginians featured in the exhibit will be available to the media at both events:

• Angela Antoine (White)
• Shawn Barksdale
• Amber Bowman
• Angel DeJesus
• Rev. Rodey Hunter
• Paulettra James
• Taj Mahon-Haft
• Chenoa Young

“First Friday” will additionally feature remarks from exhibit photographer and ACLU of Virginia Managing Coalition and Community Storyteller Phuong Tran; Executive Director Mary Bauer; and Policy Director Chris Kaiser.

“Community Engagement Day” will bring formerly incarcerated people, family members of those who are still incarcerated, and people who have experienced crime together with advocates for workshops and an interactive tour of the exhibit. The following grassroots Virginia criminal legal reform groups will be available to the media:

• Boots on the Ground
• Brilliance Behind Bars
• The Forty Strong
• Freedom Over Everything
• The Humanization Project
• Nolef Turns
• Prisoners’ Rights Clinic
• RIHD
• Sistas in Prison Reform

“Virginia Needs a Second Chance” is on view at the Richmond Public Library’s Main branch from September 6, 2024 until September 30, 2024. Additional information about the exhibit is available here.